LITTLE ROCK (AP) - The new president of the Arkansas Senate says this year's legislative session is more about how both parties can work together than just the debate over Medicaid's future.

Republican Sen. Michael Lamoureux of Russellville was sworn in Monday as the first Republican to lead the Senate since Reconstruction. The GOP won control of the House and Senate in November's election.

Lamoureux vowed to work with both parties as the Legislature tries to address a Medicaid shortfall and a proposal to expand the program under the federal health care law.

Lamoureux said both sides in the expansion debate have valid points that will be heard.